Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Insurance
MEDICAL INSURANCE ENROLLMENT
Q: How does the default enrollment process work?
A: Review the Student Health Insurance policy decription.
Q: Who may enroll, and when is this done?
A: Review the Student Health Insurance policy decription.
Q: Can I enroll before I start classes? Can I extend my coverage after I graduate?
A: We can't let you enroll early, and, if you are not a returning student, your plan ends July 31 of your final enrollment year. A more complete explanation and suggested alternatives can be found here.
Q: Do you offer COBRA?
A: No, but we have some suggestions for alternative insurance options.
INSURANCE CARDS
Q: Why have I not received my new medical insurance card? I was charged and paid the fee.
A: If a student takes no action, there will be a significant delay in how quickly his or her new medical insurance card arrives. If a student does not actively complete an enrollment form each academic year, then we cannot send that student's enrollment info onto the medical insurance company until after the insurance open enrollment deadline passes. If the student has an early medical need, such as a prescription, office visit, lab testing, etc., the student could be faced with paying out of pocket and submitting claims forms for retroactive reimbursements. We urge students to actively complete their insurance enrollment decisions early to avoid this situation.
If you default enrolled, and don't receive your new medical card by Oct 1, contact Student Health Services.
CANCELLING PLANS
Q: Can I cancel my insurance policies and obtain a refund?
A: While you can always cancel your medical, dental, or vision insurance, there is no refund of premium for dental or vision. For medical insurance, there are conditions governing the refund of any premium.
Q: If I graduate early or leave campus earlier than expected, do I have to pay for the entire year of insurance? A: Students graduating in August of an enrollment year are permitted to enroll for the month of August only, and should use the August only prorated enrollment form.
Other students enroll for the entire year, and can apply for a cancellation if they leave early. See prior question about cancelling insurance above for details and conditions.
Q: What if I can't cancel my plan, and I then have an opportunity for an employer based plan? A: You can still use the student insurance through July 31 of the enrollment year, and avoid paying for two plans. Details are found here.
DETAILS ABOUT THE COVERAGE
Visit www.cmu.edu/studentinsurance for complete details regarding the medical, dental and vision coverage.
Q: I see some fertility benefits are available. Can you tell me more?
A: A description of the fertility benefits on your Highmark insurance contracted by Carnegie Mellon can be found here.
Q: I am not enrolled on the medical insurance contracted through Student Health Services. Can I still use the Student Health Clinic, and how will the charging work?
A: A description of the services available to students not enrolled in Medical insurance through Student Health Services can be found here.
Q: How can I tell what drugs are included on the Highmark Drug Formulary?
A: Follow these instructions for accessing the formulary online.
Q: Am I covered overseas?
A: Yes, for a description of how you are covered, go here.
